In a subtle show of strength to China, the Indian Air Force on Tuesday landed its C-130J Super Hercules transport plane at the world's highest and recently-activated Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip in Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the scene of a stand-off with Chinese troops in April.

2. At 16,614 feet, it is the highest ever landing by a C-130 nearly 50 years since the first variant of the aircraft first took off. A global aviation record for one of the world's most time-tested machines.

3. Gives the IAF a six-fold increase in deployment capabilities, over the An-32 and Mi-17s so far deployed to DBO. This means fewer flights to deliver larger numbers of troops, materials, weapons.

4. With China publicly admonishing the idea of India activating advance landing grounds in Ladakh, India's push to accelerate operations in these remote airfields sends out a no-nonsense message that internal operations cannot be interfered with.

5. With the C-130J now able to operate from DBO, the IAF can begin modernising the DBO airfield further, for larger aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III.

The Indian Air Force's C 130J Super Hercules

6. Access by the C-130J gives the IAF rapid tactical access to the remotest part of the country. The aircraft is capable of rushing special forces commandos to the theatre if necessary.

7. Proves to the neighbours that India won't shy away from specific infrastructure build-up even in sensitive border areas, and will continue to bolster airfield infrastructure.

8. Proves once again the excellent training and confidence prevalent in IAF crews, who are the newest in the world to operate the C-130 type.

9. Validates the IAF's case for more such aircraft -- already in the pipeline -- and a strong focus on medium transport aircraft capable of rapid turnaround and lightning-fast deployments.

10. With the Director General Air-Ops, Air Marshal S.B. Deo too flying in the C-130J on its flight to DBO, a clear sense that the MoD has given the IAF leave to modernise its border infrastructure without interference.